Reliable transportation in Okaloosa County.

RideOCT provides affordable, accessible transportation for Okaloosa County residents. Rides are available by reservation through the RideOCT app called Okaloosa County Transit in the app store, or by phone (850) 833-9168.

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Download the RideOCT app.

Transportation that comes to you.

Whether you're heading to an appointment, running an errand, or getting to an important destination, RideOCT helps you get there safely and affordably. See everywhere you can go today.

Note: As Okaloosa County continues to explore evolving service, there may be further service adjustments in the future.
 
Copy of Okaloosa, FL

 

New Riders & Eligibility Application

If you do not have a personal vehicle or cannot rely on a personal vehicle for your transportation needs, you may qualify for the Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program based on one or more of the following criteria:

  • Age: Age 60 or older, or under 18
  • Household income: Income below 200% of 2026 Poverty Guidelines
  • Disability: Requires verification from a medical provider

How To Apply

Apply online: Apply here for TD eligibility. Please fill out this application form online, and include a color photo of your photo ID.

If you are applying based on household income or disability, please also download and complete the relevant section(s) of the TD Eligibility Application – Part 2 here and upload to your online application:

  • Section 2: Income Verification
  • Section 3: Medical Verification

Apply by email: If you prefer to complete the full application by PDF (download here), complete Section 1 and, if applicable, Sections 2 and/or 3. Email your completed application and supporting documentation to okaloosa-eligibility@ridewithvia.com.

Apply in person: Visit us at 600 Transit Way, Fort Walton Beach, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our team will be happy to assist you with your application.

Our team of trained eligibility personnel will review applications as quickly as possible and will contact you with an eligibility determination within 7 days.

Questions about eligibility or the status of an application? Email okaloosa-eligibility@ridewithvia.com.

Already approved? Reference the full Rider Guide here.

Fares

 
TD rides within Okaloosa county
$3/trip
TD approved out-of-county medical rides
$6/trip
Private pay non-reduced fare trips
$3/mile

Service hours

Monday - Friday: 4am - 8pm
Saturday: 4am -  7pm
Sunday:  5am - 12pm

Easy ways to pay

RideOCT offers several convenient ways to pay for your trip.

In the RideOCT app:

  • Debit or credit card
  • Apple Pay or Google Pay
  • Prepaid ride credit purchased with a debit or credit card

On board:

  • Exact cash
  • Existing RideOCT coupons

You can also visit our office at 600 Transit Way to purchase prepaid ride credit using cash or a debit or credit card.

Existing Coupons

RideOCT is transitioning away from paper coupons and will no longer sell new coupons. If you still have unused coupons, don’t worry — we will continue to accept existing coupons on board.

Accessibility

RideOCT offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles for riders who need them.

Need an accessible vehicle?
Request accessibility service through the app or call 850-833-9168.

How to use RideOCT.

3 easy steps to get on board in no time.

How to Ride (3)

1. Create an account

Apply for RideOCT to find out if you're eligible for the service. Then download the Okaloosa County Transit app from your preferred app store and follow the simple signup steps. 

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How to Ride 02 (4)

2. Book a ride

Enter your pickup and dropoff address. Choose the ride that works for you by tapping Book This Ride.

How to Ride 03 (4)

3. Meet your driver

Check out the app to know when to meet the vehicle outside.

Pickup Windows & Booking Your Ride

We know reliable transportation matters. Beginning September 1, RideOCT is reducing pickup windows from 60 minutes to 30 minutes, giving you greater certainty about when your ride will arrive.

Your vehicle may arrive at any point during your confirmed 30-minute pickup window. Once the vehicle arrives, the driver will wait for up to 5 minutes. Please be ready and watch for your vehicle throughout your pickup window so you can board promptly.

 

Choose the Trip Type That Works For You

Beginning September 1, you can request your ride in one of two ways:

  • Depart at: Choose this option when you know when you will be ready to leave, such as after work or an appointment. RideOCT will schedule your pickup for after your requested departure time.
  • Arrive by: Choose this option when you need to reach your destination by a specific time, such as for work, an appointment, or another commitment. Tell us when you need to arrive, and RideOCT will schedule your trip accordingly.

When you request a trip, RideOCT will consider available vehicles and other scheduled trips and provide you with a confirmed 30-minute pickup window.

For example, if you request a pickup around 2:00 p.m., you may receive a pickup window of 1:45–2:15 p.m., or another nearby 30-minute window based on availability. Confirming a specific window helps us provide more reliable service and arrive when we say we will.
 
No smartphone? No problem.
Book a ride by calling (850) 833-9168.

Take your first ride today.

 Any questions?
Email us at support-rideoct@ridewithvia.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the service work?

What do the vehicles look like?

All vehicles are branded with the service’s logo, so they should be easy to spot.

Are wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) available?

Yes, there are to easy ways to verify that you need wheelchair accessible service:

  • In the app menu tap ‘Accessibility’, then complete the Accessibility Request form.

  • Call (850) 833-9168 for help updating your account.

Can I bring someone with me?

Sure! You can book rides for you and any additional passengers. All additional passengers will be charged according to the pricing section on this page and you will pay for all rides using the same payment method. Free Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) may be approved during the eligibility process.

Can I bring a service animal or pet with me?

Service animals are always welcome to ride without restriction. Drivers have a legal obligation to provide service to riders with service animals. If you are a rider traveling with a service animal and wish to report any issue you experience related to your service animal, please send an email to our support team at the email listed above explaining the situation. 

Pets that are not service animals are also allowed, but pets should be kept in an airline-approved carrier to use the service.

Can I prebook a ride?

Yes. RideOCT requires advance reservations. Be sure to schedule your ride ahead of time to ensure transportation is available when you need it.

Can I book rides without a smartphone?
The easiest way to use the service is by downloading the app with the links above. However, if you do not have a smartphone, or need additional assistance, you can call our support team at the number listed above and we’ll help you over the phone.
How do I apply to ride RideOCT?

Apply online: Apply here for TD eligibility. Please fill out this application form online, and include a color photo of your photo ID.

If you are applying based on household income or disability, please also download and complete the relevant section(s) of the TD Eligibility Application – Part 2 here and upload to your online application:

  • Section 2: Income Verification
  • Section 3: Medical Verification

Apply by email: If you prefer to complete the full application by PDF (download here), complete Section 1 and, if applicable, Sections 2 and/or 3. Email your completed application and supporting documentation to okaloosa-eligibility@ridewithvia.com.

Apply in person: Visit us at 600 Transit Way, Fort Walton Beach, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our team will be happy to assist you with your application.

Our team of trained eligibility personnel will review applications as quickly as possible and will contact you with an eligibility determination within 7 days.

Questions about eligibility or the status of an application? Email okaloosa-eligibility@ridewithvia.com.

How long can I be approved as a RideOCT rider?
Approval durations are based on the eligibility reason you qualify under:
  • Age 60+ or a documented permanent disability: 3 years
  • A documented temporary disability: Conditional approval based on your doctor's recommendation
  • Under 18: Eligible until your 18th birthday
  • Low income: 1 year, provided you agree to let us know if your income changes
  • No income: 60 days, provided you agree to let us know if your income changes
We'll reach out before your approval expires so you can recertify and avoid a gap in service.

Account Information

How do I update my account information (phone number, name)?

To update your emergency contact, mobility device, or other profile details, please call (850) 833-9168

How do I reset my password?

Open the app and select 'Get Started.' In the password box, select 'Forgot your password?' and follow the prompts.

How do I add favorite addresses?

Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap 'Favorites', then tap 'Set Home Address', 'Set Work Address', or create and name a new favorite. Once you have saved favorite addresses, they will appear as quick options on the home screen, making booking rides even easier!

How do I delete my account?

Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap your name or profile picture at the top. Then tap ‘Delete my account’ at the bottom of the page. If you would like to request your data be deleted, you can email Via's support team at support@ridewithvia.com.

Ride Information

Can I edit my pickup or dropoff location?

Once you start a ride, the destination cannot be changed. If you have not yet boarded the vehicle, you can cancel the ride and re-book with a new pickup or destination address.

How do I know where and when to meet my driver?

Once a ride is confirmed, you will see the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of your driver in the app. You can follow your driver’s progress in real-time so you know where they are. The driver will meet you right where you requested to get picked up.

How do I cancel my ride?

You can cancel your ride directly from the app or by calling our support team at the number listed above. Please cancel your trip as early as possible. While you will not be charged for rides you did not take, late cancellations (within 2 hours of the start of the pickup window) and no-shows count towards our rider violations policy and may lead to temporary suspension. To appeal a late cancellation, please send an email to our support team at the email listed above explaining the situation.

 

How do I report an item I left behind in the vehicle?

Please send an email to our support team at the email listed above with a description of the missing item. We will do our best to track down the missing item and if found, will let you know where you can come pick it up.

If found, you can pick it up at Okaloosa County Transit, at 600 Transit Way, Fort Walton Beach.

Can I leave feedback for my driver?

Feel free to fill out the ride feedback screen in the app after your ride.

How do I report a complaint?

Please contact our support team at the email or phone number listed above to report a complaint. Be sure to include as much information as possible and we’ll do our best to help.

Payment information

How do I pay for my rides?

When creating an account, you’ll be prompted to add your credit, debit card, or Apple/Google Pay information in the app. Other payment methods may be available and they are listed in the 'Easy ways to pay' section above. If you are paying by card, you will be charged after the ride has completed.

How do I add or edit a payment method?
Navigate to the menu in the top left corner of the app and tap ‘Payment Methods’. You can then tap the payment method you would like to edit or tap ‘Add a new payment method.’
Do I tip the driver?
No. Our drivers do not accept tips.
Why do I see a pending charge?

There are a few instances where you might see a pre-authorization charge on your account. Any time a new credit card is added to the app, a $1 hold is placed on the card to ensure it is valid and has at least $1. 

Additionally, when a ride is booked, a hold will be placed on the payment method for the entire amount of the initial ride if it is expected to be more than $15 to ensure the charge goes through at the end of the ride. However, a hold is not a charge. This charge will remain pending and should disappear from your account or statement within 3-5 business days depending on the policies of the rider's bank/financial institution.

General Policies

Zero tolerance policy

This service is powered by Via with its affiliate Tidewater LLC. Via and Tidewater both have a strict Zero Tolerance policy. Driver partners are prohibited from driving on the Via Platform while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and riders are prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs inside the vehicle. We do not tolerate inappropriate, threatening or violent behavior by anyone using the Via Platform or towards any riders or driver partners. If you are a rider and observe or believe any of the following, please ask the driver to terminate the trip immediately: your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your driver is behaving in a manner that you consider inappropriate or that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or your driver engages in conduct which could be considered unlawful or illegal.


If you feel that you are in imminent danger, please contact the police directly by calling 911. After the ride has concluded, please provide feedback/report the issue using the app, email us at the support email address or call us at the Live Support number listed above.

Anti-discrimination policy

Via does not tolerate discrimination of any kind against our riders or driver partners. This includes discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious belief or affiliation, gender, sex, sexual identity or orientation, age, veteran status, physical, mental or other disability (actual or perceived), rider’s points of departure and destination, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Additionally, Via does not tolerate discrimination of any kind against service animals. Riders or driver partners found to have violated Via’s anti-discrimination policy will lose access to the Via Platform. If you believe that you have been subject to discrimination by a rider or driver partner, please provide feedback in the review function of the app or email us at the support email listed above.

Cigarette policy

Smoking of any kind by riders and drivers is prohibited, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or smokeless cigarettes.

Eating & drinking policy

We know that you are on the go, but please help us keep our vehicles clean and fresh and avoid bringing food and drink in our cars, when possible. Please also be mindful that smelly food can be distracting and unpleasant for your fellow passengers. All drinks should have lids and drinking alcohol or carrying open containers of alcohol in our vehicles is not allowed.

Phone call policy

Please remember your fellow passengers might not be interested in your phone conversations. We ask that you limit phone calls to quick logistics and emergencies during shared rides.

Luggage policy

Our service vehicles are a shared space, and as such we ask everyone to limit any personal items to a single piece of luggage or a reasonably-sized bag. 

Age policy

Riders must be 13 years of age or older. Children under the age of 13 can ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian. We will not supply car seats, but riders traveling with children who require them may bring their own. Riders are responsible for securing any such car seat and for ensuring that it fits all legal requirements.

No-Show, Late Cancellation & Suspension Policy

Beginning September 1, RideOCT is simplifying its no-show and late cancellation policy. All previous no-shows and late cancellations will be reset on September 1, giving every rider a fresh start under the new policy.

RideOCT is a shared transportation service. No-shows and late cancellations can prevent other members of the community from accessing rides, so these incidents will be tracked and repeated violations may result in suspension.

If a rider violates the policy, RideOCT may remove standing-order/ recurring ride privileges and/or temporarily suspend the rider from service:
  • First violation: 7-day suspension
  • Second violation: 14-day suspension
  • Third violation: 21-day suspension
  • More than three violations within 12 months: Suspension of up to 6 months and the rider may be required to reapply for eligibility

Riders who have unpaid RideOCT fares may also be suspended from service until the outstanding fares are paid.

What counts as a no-show or late cancellation?

A no-show occurs when:

  • The vehicle arrives within your confirmed 30-minute pickup window;
  • The driver waits 5 minutes; and
  • You do not board the vehicle.

A late cancellation occurs when you cancel your trip, either through the app or by phone, within 2 hours of the start of your confirmed pickup window.

No-shows and late cancellations are treated equally when determining whether a rider has violated the policy.

Appealing an infraction

We understand that circumstances outside of your control can sometimes result in a no-show or late cancellation.

If you believe an incident was recorded incorrectly, was not your fault, or resulted from a medical or other emergency, you may appeal the infraction within 7 days of the incident.

Send appeals to okaloosa-eligibility@ridewithvia.com for review.

When does a suspension apply?

Within any rolling 30-day period, a rider is considered in violation of the policy only when both of the following are true:

  • The rider has 3 or more combined no-shows and/or late cancellations; and
  • Those incidents represent 10% or more of the rider’s completed trips during that period.

This means occasional incidents will not automatically result in a suspension.